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Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis (CSSA) Receives HUBZone Certification

Huntsville, AL – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has certified Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis (CSSA) as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business in Huntsville, Ala.

The HUBZone program was created by the SBA to stimulate economic development in federally designated areas. To qualify, a business must be located in a zone that has been determined to be historically underutilized and at least 35% of the company’s employees must live in a HUBZone.

“We feel very blessed and praise God for this new season for the company,” said Sandra Cepeda, CSSA President and CEO.

After much research, thought, and prayer, CSSA embraced a vision to extend its core value of Community into a HUBZone initiative. In May 2017, CSSA relocated its corporate office to Drake Avenue and began maximizing opportunities for individuals who reside in historically underutilized communities.

“We recognize that for a growing technical firm in Huntsville, the challenge surrounding HUBZone is maintaining the status long-term,” said Ms. Cepeda. “At CSSA, we are committed to providing employment opportunities for those in underutilized areas. Our HUBZone strategy supports that commitment. CSSA is currently exceeding the required SBA requirements for employment. We are also hiring additional HUBZone residents this year to facilitate growth in 2018 and beyond.”

With this certification, CSSA gains access to federal set-aside contracts and sole source contracts, as well as a price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions. Federal government agencies are required to have a defined percentage of all awards go directly or indirectly to HUBZone companies.

Within seven weeks from the day CSSA’s HUBZone application was submitted to the SBA, the application was approved.

“It is evident God intends to expand CSSA’s community outreach program,” said Helen Housch, Software Engineering Division Director. “We are humbled and blessed by the favor of His vision and the doors He has opened on behalf of our community.”

About Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis
Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis (CSSA) was established in 2001. CSSA is a HUBZone, economically disadvantaged woman-owned and small disadvantaged business. CSSA provides systems engineering, software engineering, and process improvement services to both the government and commercial sector. This year, the company, located in Huntsville, Ala., received the 2016 NASA Agency-Level Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year award and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year award.